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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Going and Coming

[Drat, forgot to schedule... this is Wednesday's post]

ABNA BeDone

It is not shocking surprising or unexpected that I didn't make the finalist list for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. After all, had I MADE it, they would have contacted me last week: I now see why... All the finalists have lovely pictures of themselves posted... not a single person chose to display him or herself as a llama. Contracts are probably formally signed... flight and hotel reservations made (cheaper 30 days out, after all),

The books all look pretty good. Here, see for yourselves. I was a little shocked at the YA entries as TWO of them involve MCs who can talk to the dead, and that is a primary plotline for my planned BuNo project (BuNoWriMo explainer below). Funny how some themes make it into the collective conscious. I am confident mine is different enough, but it was jarring when I saw the first, and BAFFLING when I saw the second... I was thinking, HOLY COW, how does this HAPPEN?! That said, they both look like GREAT reads (very different tones from mine—far lighter, I think—you KNOW how dark and mysterious I am *shifty*) (do you think if I say that often enough, people will start to believe me?) The third YA looks great, too—I'm not sure if it classifies as sci-fi or dystopia, but the premise is unique and appealing. I'd totally read ANY of these books.

The adult ones look pretty good too. I haven't read ANY of the excerpts yet, but plan to... you should, too... There is now VOTING involved, and to vote fairly, you really need to read all of them in a category, wouldn't you say? I am not saying I've never voted for my friend when I knew someone pitted against multiple others, but I generally at least get a FEEL, and if I have time, I read them all (I confess I probably end up biased anyway, but there you have it). Anyway, I don't know ANY of these folks. They are not board regulars, unless they use other names. They certainly aren't Mansers (my home thread there), as I was the 'only horse left in the race' who was regular there.

I guess the BIG point though, is that ALL these books are publishable... ALL of these people have made a FABULOUS accomplishment. I wish them the VERY best.

Many people knocked out are ALSO publishable... but maybe in an iteration or two down the road... So congrats to us, too...

As for that next book...

BuNoWriMo is Coming, BuNoWriMo is Coming!

One week, my friends, until the Burrow's version of NaNoWriMo... 50,000 words in 30 days... that is 1667 per day for you math geeks. *looks in mirror* And we Burrowers aren't too picky... if you want to keep going on something ELSE... okay... if you want to write 50K worth of short stories, have atter. If you want to set some alternative goal... start or end on a different day... We are EASY PEASY (or I am, anyway, but you knew that). This is about writing as a group, grabbing some of the contagious enthusiasm, encouraging each other, and giving in to the SPEED. Permission to write crap... just WRITE. It will all have to be changed in the rewrite ANYWAY... best just get the story out!

I know not everyone likes to or wants to write fast, but I find a great many of us, if we give in to it, and address the clean up in the rewrite, do really well with it. Personally, I have a cleaner story as there is no time for tangents (my most pernicious temptation). So we would LOVE it if you would join us!

As for me... I have about 7,000 words to write to wind up my first draft on my 2nd Cozy between now and then... I will be about 10K short of 'done' but it is better filled in on the rewrite anyway (like I've been saying). I've got a bunch of spots already that say 'a scene that does this'... I can make it, but I am cutting it close...

If you want to join us for BuNoWriMo, we are on Facebook, here. The group is open!

Woo, you ROCK, Your Tartness! You did an amazing job to go so far, and I'm so proud of you I could bust (but I won't, because that would be messy).

BuNoWriMO!!!!! Erm, I'm having, shall we say, ISSUES, with my current project, but I'm going to push like mad to get it done by June 1st (which will make my editor happy :P). I might wind up being a rebel this year, but I'll wear that badge with pride!

Gorgeous and ever so NAKED naked Tart! Your llama dazzled the world and will go on to greater shinier things!!! Llamas ALWAYS win in the end!! Yay for you!!!! You made it and are gonna make it -you just wait!!! Hoorah!! Good luck with the BuNaNoMonaLisa - hang on let me get that right! - BuNoWriMo!!! Yay!!

You have such a contagious optimism. There are always awards out there, I am sure you will get your share and one day so will I. Does it really matter anyways? We are doing what we love and that is reward enough for me. I have joined the crazy write off and made myself a get naked suit, now I am going to just write and if I don't make the 30,000 words, oh well at least I tried, it was 30.000 wasn't it?

Oh, they don't know what they're missing at ABNA! You did a great job with the contest.

Good luck with BuNoWriMo...I think I'll try to keep up with y'all. I have something new to write (well, it's an outline, though. Maybe I can make it work that I write the outline and start work on something else.)

Getting as far as you did is a mad accomplishment and I'm sure you're book is just as publishable as theirs. IT looks like you have a great attitude and jumping into Burrow NANOWriMO sounds like just the ticket right now. Good luck and enjoy!

Tangents are your most pernicious temptation? Omg, that just so rocks - as do you, Ms. Tart. Congrats on getting as far as you did in ABNA and thanks for sharing the links to see some of the finalists.

I can't fathom committing to a month like that (heck, I just got back to blogging!), but I give big kudos to those who do. Good luck with your new endeavor and wrapping up the wip!

Congrats for getting to the semi-finals. It's definitely a sign that you are on the right track.

I also think you might be on to something with the BuNoWriMo project. As writers I think sometimes our brain just gets in the way of fully embracing that creative little muse in us all. I will have to look into this. Thanks!

The Naked Tart

I write books from my bathtub and blog in my basement. For a full bio on the 3 faces of me, check out the tab. As for the shenanigans around here... Confessions of a Watery Tart is my primary blog. It has lots on writing, some life... mostly I just want to encourage you to play with me. Silliness abounds. I also have a Song of Ice and Fire Blog because frankly I'm obsessed and have tons of theories and ideas, so I decided to give myself a place to channel those besides brief facebook comments.
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